Jo Coughlan confirms Wellington mayoral bid

02/04/2016

Jo Coughlan (Facebook)

Councillor Jo Coughlan is standing for the Wellington mayoralty.

She's the fourth candidate in the race as deputy mayor Justin Lester and councillor Nicola Young are standing and incumbent Celia Wade-Brown is expected back. There has also been speculation Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett will stand in Wellington.

Ms Coughlan is in her third term as a city councillor and is well known in Wellington where she works in public relations. She is married to Conor English, a former Federated Farmers' chairman and the brother of Finance Minister Bill English.

"I will work with Government to accelerate building of city infrastructure. We need to grow our economy, keep the city moving and create more jobs," she said.

"We need to double-tunnel the Terrace and Mt Victoria tunnels and see four lanes along Ruahine St to the airport. Wellington's mayor must lead on this and that is my commitment."